WASHINGTON ACADEMY ONLINE SYLLABI
2024-2025 Academic Year
ENGLISH
English I (English 9)
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: English I follows an integrated curriculum where each unit contains interconnected lessons across five domains: reading and the study of literature, reading informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language study. The topics are presented in a manner that allows young adolescents to relate their literacy skills to various aspects of their lives. Writing assignments in this course encompass narrative, expository, and persuasive/argumentative modes, placing emphasis on using details and reasoning to support ideas effectively. Vocabulary development is seamlessly integrated into literature and informational text lessons. At the conclusion of each unit, an assessment presents students with real-world scenarios that require them to apply the skills they've acquired during the unit. Similarly, Part B also comprises integrated units centered around specific themes or modes of study. In Part B, the literature study delves into analyzing various forms of literature and exploring comparative studies of world literature and literature presented through different media. Writing and informational text lessons guide students through the stages of research, teaching them how to evaluate, integrate, and share the information gathered during their research. Students are expected to express their ideas and analysis using various modes, including oral and multimedia presentations.
- Required Materials: Old Man & the Sea & Ender's Game (free digital versions are made available to students)
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
English II (English 10)
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: English II is comprised of units that revolve around a specific theme and incorporate lessons in five key areas: analyzing literature, analyzing informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language study, encompassing word knowledge and grammar skills. The course builds upon the skills introduced in English 9 but demands greater independence and deeper thinking from the students. To help students prepare for the challenges ahead, an introductory lesson precedes each unit. This lesson allows students to identify any weak areas and review relevant topics. Part A of the course focuses on diverse writing assignments, such as fiction, expository, persuasive, and analytical writing. These assignments stress the importance of using details, evidence, and reasoning to support ideas effectively. Part A also covers speaking and listening lessons, which teach collaborative discussion skills, the peer review process, and the art of planning and delivering informative speeches and presentations. Vocabulary development is integrated into literature and informational text lessons to enhance students' language skills. Each unit concludes with an authentic assessment, presenting real-world scenarios that require students to apply the skills they've learned throughout the unit. Part B of the course follows a similar integrated approach, with units centered around a specific theme or mode of study. In this section, the focus shifts toward the analysis of various forms of literature and the evaluation of different writing modes. Writing and informational text lessons guide students through a rigorous research process, teaching them how to evaluate, integrate, and share gathered information effectively. The students are required to express their ideas and analysis using various modes, including oral and multimedia presentations.
- Required Materials: Animal Farm & Lord of the Flies (free digital versions are made available to students)
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated Hours to complete course: 120
English III (English 11)
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: English III is an American Literature course, in which units are structured chronologically to align with periods in literary history. Throughout the course, students engage with foundational literary works and historical documents written between 1600 and 1900, enabling them to enhance and expand their skills in five key areas: analyzing literature, analyzing informational text, writing, speaking and listening, and language study, which includes word knowledge and grammar skills. Each module or unit commences with a lesson providing historical context for the era and introducing prevailing themes in the literature of that time. This approach allows students to review fundamental analysis skills before applying them to literary works or significant historical documents. Lessons that focus on more challenging historical documents include activities designed to help students comprehend the intricate ideas presented in these works. Part A of the course addresses various writing modes, including narrative, reflective, persuasive, and analytical modes. Assignments emphasize the use of details, evidence, and reasoning to support ideas, and writing lessons incorporate model essays illustrating key features of each mode. Speaking and listening lessons in Part A cover rhetoric, the peer review process, and performance skills, enhancing students' communication abilities. Vocabulary development is seamlessly integrated into literature and informational text lessons, further enriching students' language proficiency. Each unit concludes with an authentic assessment, presenting students with real-world scenarios that require them to apply the skills they've acquired during the unit. Part B of English 11 focuses on historical eras and literary movements of the 20th and 21st centuries, such as Naturalism, Imagism, the Harlem Renaissance, and Post-Modernism. Literature analysis lessons in Part B delve into the prevalent literary forms of the Twentieth Century and explore how the styles and techniques of that era continue to influence contemporary literature. Additionally, students evaluate various modes and forms of language expression, including single media and multimedia messages.
- Writing and informational text lessons in Part B guide students through a rigorous research process, teaching them how to evaluate, integrate, and share gathered information effectively. Students are expected to express their ideas and analysis using various modes, including oral and multimedia presentations.
- Required Materials: The Scarlet Letter & The Great Gatsby (free digital versions are made available to students)
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 150
English IV (English 12)
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Students explore significant literary works organized thematically into units. Each unit centers around a specific theme and comprises poetry, short stories, and a novel that all relate to that particular theme. The themes covered include the self, relationships, alienation, choice, and death. As students engage with these works, they get the opportunity to contemplate these essential themes through various modes of writing and by undertaking cross-disciplinary projects. Moreover, the course offers exposure to novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction from diverse countries worldwide. Through this exploration, students will discover that the writers featured in the course possess captivating ideas and intriguing life stories, which are often reflected in their literary works. Each writer exhibits a unique writing style, individual ideas, and distinctive approaches to their craft. In turn, students will be encouraged to produce their own distinct and innovative work. The reading list encompasses contemporary works and pieces from the 20th century, revealing that certain themes and events persist across cultures during these periods. Although reading literature from different parts of the world may not provide an all-encompassing understanding of a culture, it can certainly contribute to this goal.
- Throughout this journey, students will utilize technology, writing, reflection, vocabulary, research, and other academic and personal skills to immerse themselves in the worlds of their communities, countries, and the broader global context. The course aims to foster an appreciation for human diversity and to overcome doubts or prejudices by encouraging students to learn about one another.
- Required Materials: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Frankenstein, & Hamlet by William Shakespeare (free digital versions are made available to students)
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 160
English Composition
- Description: In this course, students will center their attention on extended pieces of fiction, encompassing short stories, plays, and novels. They will delve into fundamental techniques of plot and character development, as well as strategies for crafting suspense and developing themes. Throughout the course, students will be presented with various opportunities to engage in writing across multiple genres. Additionally, the lessons will touch upon specific subjects such as graphic novels, animation, comedy, and improvisation. The knowledge gained from writing workshops and the art of revision will be applied by the students to the more extensive writing pieces they create throughout the duration of the course.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
SOCIAL STUDIES
U.S. History
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of the United States' discovery, development, and growth. It delves into significant topics, such as American Indian cultures, European colonization of the Americas, and the factors leading to the American Revolution. The course examines key geographical, economic, and political elements that have contributed to the nation's progress. US History I covers the historical journey from the colonial period to the early 20th century. Through reading, analysis, and application of historical data, students gain an understanding of the forces that have shaped the nation's history and its people. The course not only discusses American history topics but also explores research methods and emphasizes the importance of reliable historical sources. Beyond memorizing facts and dates, students are encouraged to comprehend how history has impacted their own lives. US History B commences with a study of pre-1929 American life, including the influential Roaring Twenties era. It then delves into the causes and repercussions of the Great Depression and conducts a detailed examination of America's role in World War II. The course further explores the Cold War struggle and America's ascent as a global superpower. Topics such as Civil Rights and Women's rights movements, environmental concerns, domestic and foreign policies, and the study of the Middle East are also covered. The course provides an analysis of the nation's economic, social, and political trends, spanning from pre-World War I to the conflicts of the new millennium. It summarizes the experiences of the last century, particularly focusing on civil rights issues that have sparked national conflicts. Additionally, the development of the United States into a superpower is viewed within a global context.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
World History
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: The World History course begins by emphasizing the essential skills required to read, comprehend, and analyze historical information, while also illustrating the methodologies used by historians and social scientists to draw conclusions about human history. Part A of the course spans the history of civilization, starting from hunter-gatherer societies and progressing through the characteristics of early civilizations until the Enlightenment period in Western Europe. The latter portion of Part A delves into the examination of early intellectual, spiritual, and political movements and their profound impact on interactions among diverse world cultures. In Part B, the course builds upon the reading and analytical strategies introduced in Part A and applies them to the events and movements that have shaped the modern world. World History gives special attention to the consequences of the Industrial Revolution and the shifting attitudes toward science and religion, as well as the effects of European colonization. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to establish connections between World War I and II, as well as events related to the Cold War, and to draw parallels between 19th-century imperialism and the contemporary independence movements.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Civics (full credit course as of Fall 2023)
- Description: In this course, students will undertake an extensive examination of the history, structure, and fundamental principles of the American government. The first unit will cover the origins of government in general, with a particular focus on the American government—from early models of democracy to the foundational documents that established the U.S. federalist system of government. Subsequent units will delve into the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government, as well as the enduring impact of the Constitution on the functioning of the government and the lives of individual Americans. The course's final unit will involve students in a series of projects where they will apply their knowledge of the American government to a topic of their interest.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 60
Psychology
- Description: This course offer a fascinating journey for students, starting with an exploration of the historical context of psychologists and their experimental methodologies. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a deeper comprehension of the subject. The next segment of the course delves into the captivating world of personality theories, unraveling the intricacies of human behavior and individual differences. As the course progresses, students embark on a comprehensive study of human development, beginning from infancy and traversing through various life stages until adulthood. This enlightening journey unveils the profound transformations that occur as individuals grow and evolve. In the latter part of the course, the focus shifts to the intriguing realm of consciousness. Topics such as sleep, dreams, and the effects of conscious-altering substances captivate the imagination and prompt students to ponder the enigmatic aspects of the human mind. Throughout the course, students are actively encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery and heightened self-awareness. By reflecting on the concepts studied and applying them to their own lives, students gain insights into their own thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. This emphasis on self-awareness empowers students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their interactions with others. Overall, this Psychology course offers a multi-faceted exploration of the human mind and behavior, empowering students to grasp the complexities of human psychology while fostering personal growth and self-reflection.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Sociology
- Description: This captivating course is thoughtfully divided into four essential areas, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The first area, the sociological perspective, allows students to develop a critical lens through which they can analyze societal phenomena. By adopting this perspective, students gain insights into the underlying patterns and complexities that shape human behavior and interactions within various social contexts. The second area focuses on social structures, shedding light on the framework that organizes and influences human society. From social norms and roles to cultural practices, students unravel the underlying structures that contribute to the fabric of society. Inequality in society forms the third area of exploration, enabling students to examine the persistent controversies surrounding issues of social change, gender, and race. This segment prompts students to critically assess societal disparities and advocate for social justice. The final area of study revolves around social institutions and change. Students delve into the institutions that uphold and influence social life, such as family, education, and government. Additionally, the course fosters an understanding of societal dynamics and the factors that drive social change over time. Engaging projects form an integral part of the course, allowing students to immerse themselves in sociological research and analysis. These projects provide students with opportunities to adopt the perspectives of sociologists and explore real-world scenarios through a sociological lens. By the end of the course, students will not only have gained a solid foundation in sociology but will also be equipped with critical thinking skills, empathy, and increased awareness of social issues. Armed with these invaluable tools, students will be better prepared to navigate and contribute meaningfully to a diverse and evolving society.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Marketing & Entrepreneurship
- Description: This course aims to equip students with the essential skills of entrepreneurship, which will prove instrumental in building a lasting and fulfilling career amidst the massive changes occurring in the economy and society. The course centers around cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, which involves actively seeking opportunities, creating value, and addressing challenges by solving pain points. This invaluable mindset extends beyond the realm of business startups and applies equally to various organizations, including schools, established companies, and non-profit entities. Through interactive lessons and real-world case studies, students will delve into the core principles of entrepreneurship. They will learn how to assess contradictory advice and navigate the dynamic landscape of career choices with confidence. Emphasis will be placed on harnessing the entrepreneurial mindset to not only create successful startups but also to drive innovation and make a positive impact in any organizational setting.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Global Finance & Economics (formerly Int'l Business & Economics)
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: In Part A of this course, students will go over essential financial terminology and explore why and how to purse a career in fianace, as well as the basics of finance and investment banking. Additionally, students will engage with content focusing on the ethical considerations on Wall Street and the broader societal impact of finance. In the second part of the course, students will be introduced to the fundamental principles and practical applications of economics. They will gain insights into the concept of limited resources and contrast it with the boundless wants and needs of individuals and society. Through this, students will explore how economic decisions are made at both individual and national levels to distribute goods and services among various competing users. Utilizing their understanding of economic principles, students will apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. They will also be encouraged to leverage their knowledge of economic policies and institutions to form their own informed perspectives on contemporary economic and monetary matters.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Modern Day Apprenticeship
- Description: In this career planning course, students will be led through the fundamental aspects of the career planning process, culminating in the creation of a well-defined career plan. The course will explore the diverse factors that influence career success and fulfillment. Through a methodical approach involving investigation, research, and self-exploration, students will gain the necessary insights crucial for effective career planning. By the end of the course, students will have developed a practical and comprehensive college or career transition portfolio that showcases their skills, abilities, interests, values, and aspirations. This portfolio will serve as a reflection of their readiness to embark on a successful and fulfilling career journey.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Law & Order
- Description: In this course, students will be introduced to the workings of the American legal system. They will explore various aspects such as ethics, court systems, criminal law, and tort law. The course also delves into the interplay between different court systems and the circumstances that lead to legal disputes. Understanding consumer rights is also a key component of the course. As students progress, they will gain insights from a business perspective on ethical business practices and employment laws. Whether as an employee or an employer, comprehending the laws that safeguard the rights of both parties is crucial. The study will particularly focus on business formation and the fundamental legal considerations associated with different types of businesses.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
SCIENCE
Integrated Science
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: This Integrated Science course serves as an introductory exploration of the Physical Sciences and scientific methodology. The primary aim is to provide students with fundamental knowledge concerning the physical properties and chemistry of matter. Throughout the course, students will develop essential skills within the classroom environment and solidify their understanding through engaging homework, readings, and captivating labs that relate to real-life scenarios.
- Required Materials: misc. items found around the house
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Marine Biology
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Immerse yourself in the enthralling realm of marine biology! This course presents an intriguing journey into marine ecosystems, aquatic organisms, and the delicate harmony of marine environments. Through captivating lessons, students will develop a thorough comprehension of marine life, their unique adaptations, and the influence of human actions on the well-being of our oceans. Embrace the marvels of marine existence and foster a profound admiration for the enchanting world beneath the ocean's surface.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Chemistry
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: In this comprehensive course, students will delve into the fascinating world of chemistry and explore its widespread applications in our daily lives. Emphasis will be placed on the scientific method as a powerful tool for solving real-world challenges. Throughout the journey, students will acquire knowledge in various essential areas, including types of matter, atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical formula writing, and nomenclature. The course will also highlight the crucial link between math and science, covering topics like measurement, the metric system, and stoichiometry. Students will engage in higher-order thinking to enhance their understanding. Further exploration will lead students to investigate chemical bonding, thermochemistry, and acids and bases. The significance of the scientific method in addressing real-world problems will remain central. Additionally, students will gain valuable insights into organic chemistry, biochemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The course will continue to emphasize the interplay between math and science, encouraging students to apply higher-order thinking throughout their learning journey. An algebra background is recommended due to the significant amount and nature of mathematical concepts covered in the course.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Biology
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Biology A introduces students to the scientific method and key biological concepts, emphasizing historical and practical perspectives. It explores three main themes: cells, molecular heredity, and organism interdependence. This course enhances students' understanding of complex life forms unique to our planet. Life's intricate and organized structure, whether at the molecular or planetary scale, evokes awe with its genius and complexity. Recent decades have unveiled new biological branches, reshaping daily life from birth to death. Challenges like ecology crises, global warming, and viral diseases demand informed 21st-century choices. Delivered through multimedia modules, labs, animations, and text, Biology A fosters active learning. Students engage in self-assessment, quizzes, and projects, with teacher guidance. Part B continues from Biology A, exploring population dynamics and evolution. Concepts include mutualism, predation, parasitism, and competition. Evolution's evidences and details, crucial to modern biology, are examined. From biochemistry to evolution, biology captivates by revealing life's adherence to chemical principles while shaping chemistry to its needs. Darwin's groundbreaking theory, surviving debates, remains a core biology concept. The course delves into life's mechanisms, featuring self-assessment, quizzes, projects, and teacher support.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Physics
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Part A begins with a review of essentials like the International System of Units (SI), scientific notation, and significant digits. It then immerses students in the realm of motion in one and two dimensions, including gravity and Newton's laws. The course ends with an engaging study of circular motion, integrating graphing and trigonometry for problem-solving. Practical physics applications are integrated, involving roles such as science museum curators and elementary teachers. Part B continues the journey, exploring mechanics, simple harmonic motion, wave properties, optics, thermodynamics, fluids, electricity, and magnetism. The course concludes with a captivating exploration of Modern Physics, spanning the photoelectric effect, nuclear science, and relativity. Proficiency in trigonometry is assumed for this math-intensive course.
- Required Materials: Graphing Calculator
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 150
Mathematics
Math Foundations
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: This essential course readies students for Algebra I and Geometry. Abstract concepts become manageable tasks through problem-solving. New ideas come with examples and techniques for a better grasp of current math skills. Using text, videos, presentations, and practice problems, students control their pace and review as required. In "Math Foundations," students progress in Algebra, advancing from their Pre-Algebra foundation. Activities and demo videos facilitate understanding algebraic thinking, priming them for abstract concepts. The course provides assessments for mastering skills.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 1/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Algebra I
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Algebra 1 (Part A) introduces students to the fascinating world of Algebra, focusing on expressions and equations. Students will explore evaluating algebraic expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing them. The course also incorporates real-world scenarios, emphasizing the use of basic statistics for interpretation. Students will engage with online lesson materials, videos, and interactive activities, with unit quizzes and exams to assess their understanding. They will also complete a project to apply their learning to practical situations. In Algebra 1 (Part B), students will build upon the concepts learned in Part A, developing a solid problem-solving foundation. They will tackle problems involving exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring methods, rational and radical equations, and data analysis and probability. The course continues to use online lessons, videos, interactive questions, and real-world applications. Self-check quizzes, unit exams, and teacher feedback are integral components of the learning process.
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Geometry
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Geometry is the fascinating study of measuring the world and understanding the relationships between figures and measures. Through practical applications, students gain valuable insights into how geometric reasoning plays a role in our everyday lives. The course starts with essential tools in Geometry and progresses to exploring the measurement of line segments, angles, and two-dimensional figures. Students delve into concepts like similarity, triangles, and trigonometric ratios. Students will delve into quadrilaterals and circles, mastering the understanding of object transformations and their representation both algebraically and geometrically. Additionally, they learn to calculate the area and volume of two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Algebra II
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Algebra 2 (Part A) further extends the learner’s understanding of major algebra concepts such as expressions, equations, functions, and inequalities. An emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate functions to model real-world situations and solve problems that arise from those situations. A focus is also on graphing functions by hand and understanding and identifying the parts of a graph. Algebra 2 (Part B) builds on the concepts learned in Part A and prepares the learners with the building blocks needed to dive deeper into trigonometry, pre-calculus and advanced probability and statistics.
- Required Materials: Graphing calculator
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Pre-Calculus
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: In this course, students will grasp and apply concepts, graphs, and uses of diverse function families, such as polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, logistic, and trigonometric functions. The focus is on selecting appropriate functions for real-world modeling and problem-solving. There's an emphasis on manual graphing and comprehending graph components. A scientific or graphics calculator is recommended for assignments and exams. Pre-Calculus Part B includes key sections: Introductory Trigonometry and Graphs, Trigonometric Equations and Identities, Analytical Trigonometry, Sequences and Series, Conic Sections, and an Introduction to Calculus. The course also emphasizes manual graphing and understanding graph components.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 4/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Business Math
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Part A focuses on the financial management of a business. Topics include fundamental financial documents, business accounting, credit scores, business expenses, and supply/demand. The course delves into accounting, exploring potential careers and teaching essential skills. You'll master basic accounting, both computerized and manual, covering general journals, ledgers, payment and receipt journals, sales records, and payable/receivable ledgers. The course guides through bank statement reconciliation and payroll preparation. It concludes with principles of individual and corporate financial accounting, addressing mathematical aspects and ethical considerations. Each unit includes practical exercises and a concluding project.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Personal Finance
- Description: This course concentrates on math's role in informed consumer choices, unraveling its impact on daily life. Topics include managing checking and savings accounts, credit utilization, housing expenses, and taxes. The course also ventures into accounting, including exploring potential careers. You'll grasp essential accounting skills and techniques, computerized and manual, spanning journals, ledgers, payment and receipt records, sales logs, and payable/receivable ledgers. Bank statement reconciliation and payroll preparation are also covered. The course encompasses fundamental financial accounting principles for individuals and businesses, addressing mathematical formulas and ethical considerations.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Health
Heath (.5 credit course)
- Description: This course equips students with essential knowledge and abilities for a wholesome life. It emphasizes the influence of individual choices on personal well-being. Students discover ways to locate, assess, and employ trustworthy information on diverse health subjects. Basic scientific principles behind nutrition, physical activity, stress, and psychology are explored, uncovering their impact on overall health. Every lesson prompts students to apply newfound insights to their own lives, fostering discussions with peers and instructors.
- Required Materials: None
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 60
Personal Fitness (.5 credit course)
- Description: In this course, students are introduced to exercise, physical well-being, and overall health recommendations. The focus includes exercise benefits, disease prevention through lifestyle choices, and jumpstarting a healthier life. The various fitness types, their advantages, and federal exercise guidelines are thoroughly examined. The course covers bones, joints, and their functions, along with diverse joint movements. Students study different muscle types, their structures, and muscle fibers, including functions, workings, interaction with the nervous system, and safety considerations for exercise.
- Required Materials: none
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 60
ART
Art & Music Appreciation
- Description: What makes an artwork a masterpiece? Why do artists create art? What is the difference between Rococo and Art Nouveau? In this course, students will discover the answers to these questions and more. We examine the elements of art and principles of design, and explore how artists have used these elements and principles in the creation of art for centuries. Students will also gain a thorough understanding of music by studying the elements of music, musical instruments, and music history, as well as music advocacy. Students will be introduced to the orchestra and composers from around the world. They will be required to be a composer, performer, instrument inventor, and advocate.
- Required Materials: None
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Digital Art
- Description: Digital Art offers a hands-on exploration of diverse digital media forms, including digital audio, imaging, illustration, video editing, and animation. The focus is on imparting versatile tools and concepts applicable across platforms and software. Each module concludes with a final project (such as a podcast or short film), allowing students to progressively refine their skills throughout the lessons.
- Required Materials: Download For Free: Audacity GIMP Inkscape DaVinci Resolve (free version) Pencil2D Blender GDevelop Piskel
- Difficulty Level: 2/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
IT
Robotics
- Description: This course delves into the essence of robotics and its intersections with crucial technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Expanding further, the course examines ten distinct robot applications and their transformative effects on our lives and the economy. Beyond the concern of job displacement, students will ponder whether robots could be catalysts for novel opportunities and liberation of human creativity and curiosity. These thought-provoking inquiries will guide students as they delve into this essential, forward-looking field.
- Required Materials: None
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Intro to Computer Programming
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Course Overview: In Part A of this course, students will master Python programming through hands-on experience. They'll start by creating a text-based console game and then elevate it to a multiplayer adventure. Beyond coding, students will grasp the intricacies of client-server relationships and develop their Python web server for browser connections. The curriculum covers variables, classes, functions, lists, dictionaries, generators, and proper Python formatting. In Part B, Java becomes the focus, with students engaging in various projects spanning console and user interface domains. Projects include mad libs, player-computer games, battleship, tic-tac-toe, picture shuffling, and more. This comprehensive course aims to provide abundant Java practice, with students crafting multiple standalone programs. No prior coding experience in Java or Python is required. The course features self-graded quizzes and tests for assessment.
- Required Materials: Students will need a Windows PC or MAC for this course; Chromebooks & tablets are not sufficient.
- - Download: https://www.python.org/downloads/
- - Download: Eclipse: IDE
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 140
Foreign Language
Spanish I
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: Part A, serves as a comprehensive initiation into the rich realm of the Spanish language and culture. At the outset, students embark on a journey that commences with the fundamentals of greetings and simple conversations. As they progress, they adeptly infuse elements from their personal lives and experiences into their Spanish interactions, thereby forging meaningful connections. The mastery of this intricate process is nurtured through both written and spoken expressions of the Spanish language, allowing students to cultivate a multifaceted linguistic repertoire. In Part B, the exploration intensifies as students delve into the art of questioning and delve deeper into conversational Spanish within the context of their neighborhood and daily routines. Real-world scenarios come to life, offering a platform for students to deftly illustrate various situations, skillfully employing the Spanish language both in oral and written forms. Through immersive learning experiences and illustrative examples, students harness the power of language to narrate and describe their surroundings, fostering fluency and cultural insight.
- Required Materials: None
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Spanish II
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: In Spanish 2, students embark on a dynamic journey that amplifies the groundwork laid in Spanish 1. This course serves as a gateway to further linguistic and cultural horizons, nurturing a nuanced understanding of the Spanish language. As they progress, students delve deeper into the intricacies of vocabulary, assimilating an array of new words that enrich their linguistic palette. The acquisition of additional verb tenses and grammar concepts enhances their communicative prowess, enabling them to engage in more intricate and nuanced dialogues. One of the focal points of Spanish 2 is the exploration of advanced linguistic concepts that broaden the spectrum of communication. These include the study of reflexive verbs, which allow students to navigate the intricacies of self-expression, and the mastery of infinitive expressions, which lends a unique dimension to their linguistic prowess. As they grapple with the nuances of commands and the imperfect tense, students gain a holistic understanding of language structure and usage, empowering them to craft articulate and contextually relevant discourse.
- Required Materials: None
- Difficulty Level: 3/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 120
Advanced Placement
AP Biology
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-biology
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP Calculus AB
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-calculus-ab
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP Calculus BC
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-calculus-bc
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP Chemistry
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-chemistry
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP US History
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-united-states-history
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP English Literature and Composition
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-english-literature-and-composition
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180
AP Physics
- This course is divided into Parts A & B
- Description: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-physics-1-algebra-based
- Difficulty Level: 5/5
- Estimated hours to complete course: 180